Legislative Agenda

Congress has been a bedrock of support for the U.S.-Israel relationship by supporting aid, helping stop Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability, supporting Israel's right to defend itself and reinforcing American policy that peace will only be achieved through direct negotiations. Below are the current legislative priorities that will strengthen American and Israeli security and the bonds that unite these two allies.

After a year of negotiations and generous offers by the P5+1, Iran has not demonstrated a willingness to give up the capability to develop nuclear weapons. Tough pressure brought Iran to negotiations and additional pressure will strengthen America’s bargaining position. Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) have introduced the Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015 to support American diplomatic efforts by providing the president authority to impose additional sanctions on Iran if nuclear negotiations fail to achieve a final agreement. Urge your senators to support this crucial bipartisan legislation.

On Feb. 2, President Obama submitted his budget for fiscal year 2016, including $3.1 billion in security assistance for Israel. During a time of tremendous turmoil in the Middle East, American aid is a vital to ensure that the Jewish state maintains its qualitative military edge over its adversaries. Congress should continue to support crucial security assistance to Israel.

In support of a two-state solution, Congress should urge the Palestinian leadership to return to direct negotiations with Israel. For almost a year, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has rebuffed Secretary Kerry’s efforts to promote peace through bilateral negotiations. Instead, the Palestinians have sought to bypass talks and pursued counterproductive actions at the United Nations Security Council and the International Criminal Court, in direct violation of their commitments to negotiate peace. As a result, the United States should suspend aid to the Palestinian Authority.

Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist group, poses a direct threat to American and Israeli security. The United States should fully enforce sanctions on Hezbollah and expands sanctions targeting the terrorist group.